Aviation Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips made a flying visit to Benalla on Monday to announce a Victorian Government Regional Aviation Fund grant of $210000.

This will allow for upgrades to the terminal, taxi ways, drainage infrastructure improvements and support for the Benalla Aviation Museum to secure a shed.

The minister, who holds a pilot licence, also officially opened the National Gliding Championships at Benalla.

The aerodrome is home to the state’s gliding community and the Victorian Gliding Club is one of the oldest aero clubs in the country, having been operating for more than 83 years — the past 60 at Benalla.

Mr Rich-Phillips said the funding would improve the aerodrome’s infrastructure to secure future rounds of the National Gliding Championships.

‘‘The championships attract competitors from around Australia and overseas and provide a valuable boost to tourism and the local economy, especially the accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors,’’ Mr Rich-Phillips said.

‘‘This funding will help cover the cost of infrastructure upgrades that the aerodrome would not otherwise have been able to afford.’’

The GCV hosted the 1987 World Gliding Championships and has put in a bid to host a future world championship at Benalla.